Dollars will go toward strengthening current programs and developing the new “Frontier Communities” project
SANTA FE – Governor Martinez approved $1 million for the Economic Development Department’s New Mexico MainStreet Program. This funding will assist in the creation of a “Frontier Communities” program, provide support for MainStreet emerging and start up communities, the Arts and Cultural Districts and continuation of MainStreet’s work to develop economically feasible business environments through revitalization, redevelopment, preservation and marketing of historical and cultural locations.
“The New Mexico MainStreet is a fantastic program and to be able to now include frontier communities will further enhance New Mexico’s rural communities to grow jobs and help small businesses,” said Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Jon Barela. “We look forward to continuing the good work of the MainStreet program and are confident New Mexicans will continue to see a strong return on their investment.”
Gov. Martinez also signed into law the frontier communities’ initiative bill co-sponsored by Sen. Pat Woods, R- Clovis, and Rep. Patty Lundstrom, D-Gallup, the bill empowers the New Mexico MainStreet Program in the Economic Development Department to support through professional, technical assistance the development of a catalytic economic development project in communities under 7,500 in population.
Of the $1 million dollars received during the Legislative Session, the New Mexico MainStreet was appropriated $100,000 from House Bill 2 to for the Frontier Communities program. A remaining $400,000 from HB 2 will be used to support MainStreet emerging and start up communities and Arts and Cultural Districts throughout the state and $500,000 from Capital Outlay will go toward MainStreet capital improvements and infrastructure projects.
“For our new Frontier Communities Initiative we are interested in partnering with rural communities who are not a MainStreet or Arts and Cultural District affiliate, to support a project within the traditional or historic commercial core to revitalize the local economy,” said Rich Williams, MainStreet director who will coordinate the new program. “Those commercial areas include New Mexico’s court house squares, village plazas and town centers.”
The New Mexico MainStreet Program fosters economic development in the state by supporting local MainStreet revitalization organizations and their work in downtowns and the adjacent neighborhoods. The Program provides resources, education, training and services that preserve and enhance the built environment, local historic culture and heritage and stimulate the economic vitality of each participating community. In 2012, New Mexico MainStreet communities reported collectively from within their districts, the creation of 134 new businesses, more than $16 million dollars of private sector reinvestment, 135 commercial building rehabilitations and 622 new jobs.
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